Florida Guide > Planning your Trip
West Palm Beach International Airport
If you are planning a two centre vacation, which includes Orlando and the Miami area, then you may well consider flights which bring you into West Palm Beach International Airport. You can also fly down from Orlando if you fancy a short trip to the east coast beaches, using the many commuter flights which operate from it.
West Palm Beach International Airport is a sparkling example of a state of the art facility. Although relatively small, it has many international flights which connect to the UK via a US gateway. Its very smallness makes it hugely convenient and user-friendly, and you will find navigating it a breeze. Departures and Arrivals are on separate floors and there are only 3 concourses. However, it is served by 16 commercial and commuter airlines, such as Continental, Delta, US, United, BA, Air Canada, AA, North West, South West, and many of the smaller carriers like Spirit and TED. Although small, it has 6 million passengers a year pass through its doors, and it was voted the third best airport in the US, and the sixth best in the world, by the Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Its runways are large enough to be able to accept jumbo jets.
Very modern and built to a high standard, it is a pleasure to visit. With its airy concourses, soaring halls, attractive décor, marble floors, tall colonnades, and beautiful landscaping, which includes glistening lakes, tall fountains and majestic palm trees, it provides a first class experience. The terminal has huge panoramic windows which overlook the runway, letting light flood in, and there are comfortable seating areas, with potted plants and palm trees. There are examples of the work of local artist on the walls, and there is even a full sized putting green for those who like to play golf while they wait for their flights! The whole is immaculately kept, sparklingly clean and a pleasure to experience.
It is user- friendly and normally congestion free, with 25 gates and the potential to add another 24 at a later stage. The 560,000 sq ft terminal building is bright and attractive, and has a concession mall which runs the length of the building. There are 3 passenger concourses and the whole is reached by a newly landscaped roadway system, reminiscent of that with which you approach Orlando International Airport, though on a less grand scale. However, there are immaculately manicured grassy areas, lakes and many cascading fountains.
For those who like to stay in touch there is free wireless internet access throughout the airport, in all public areas and concourses. They even provide elegant booths where you can sit with your laptop, log on and surf the internet, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The airport is located conveniently adjacent to Interstate Highway 95, and a direct link to this major highway has been proposed for the future. It is an ideal airport if you intend exploring the east coast of Florida around Miami and Fort Lauderdale. All the major car rental companies are located within the airport and include Dollar, Hertz, Avis, Alamo etc.
Inside the terminal building you will find many restaurants and eateries, such as Cinnabon, Starbuck’s Coffee (of course!), Burger King, Hoffman’s Ice Cream and chocolate, Miami Subs Grill and Bar, California Pizza Kitchen and Nick’s Tomato Pie. There are also two full service restaurants and bars, called Rooney’s Public House and Sam Snead’s Tavern, so there is plenty of choice, whether you want a quick snack, fast food or a sit down meal. Shops include Baby Boomers, for children’s toys and clothing, a PGA Golf Shop for those who enjoy golf, and bookshops, news stands and gift shops such as Paradies Gift Shop.
Palm Beach is a stunning part of Florida, very up-market, with fabulous malls and wonderful beaches, and the elegant and immaculate West Palm Beach International Airport is a great way to access all that this part of Florida has to offer.
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